Hollywood, CA...The Mission: Impossible series has always been represented by a lit fuse—first in the 1960s TV show, followed by its revival in the 80s, and continuing with the Tom Cruise film series that began in 1996. It’s a particularly apt symbol for this fifth installment, subtitled Rogue Nation, as one never knows what to expect. Will this new film catch fire and explode into a hit, or will it fizzle out?

Traffic Update...Fatality In Motorcycle Accident On Hwy 4

Posted by: thepinetree on 08/02/2015 03:30 PM

Arnold, CA....Emergency crews are working a possible fatality in a motorcycle down accident on Hwy 4 near Big Trees. Traffic is heavy and Hwy 4 has been intermittently closed because of the incident. More to follow as it becomes available. From all of us at ThePineTree.net our thoughts and prayers to those affected by the incident.....(Update....One way traffic controls are in place and the westbound lane is still closed at this time...

Groveland, CA...Current Situation on Big Creek Fire. Crews are continuing mop-up and fire suppression repair operations. Demobilization has begun, releasing unneeded fire equipment and personnel. Motorists driving in the area of the fire on Highway 120, especially after dark, are asked to exercise great caution to avoid fire equipment and crews...

The Annual Independence Hall Flea Market Is Underway

Posted by: thepinetree on 08/01/2015 09:31 AM

Arnold, CA...The Flea Market is our only fundraiser for the year. The proceeds provide for maintenance of the building and grounds. It is always held on the first full weekend in August. We accept donations all year long: household items, furniture, tools, books, DVDs, linens, fabrics, craft items, children’s toys and clothing, Christmas items, women’s and men’s clothing, shoes, coats, accessories, jewelry. and much, much more! Donations are tax deductible. Call 209.890.8110 to arrange drop-off...

Presidential Weekly Address: Celebrating Fifty Years of Medicare and Medicaid

Posted by: thepinetree on 08/01/2015 08:03 AM

Washington, DC... Hi, everybody. This week, there was a big birthday you might have missed. Medicare and Medicaid turned 50 years old. And that’s something worth celebrating. If one of the best measures of a country is how it treats its more vulnerable citizens -- seniors, the poor, the sick -- then America has a lot to be proud of. Think about it. Before Social Security, too many seniors lived in poverty. Before Medicare, only half had some form of health insurance. Before Medicaid, parents often had no help covering the cost of care for a child with a disability.

Thought For The Day From Milton Friedman

“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” Flies Into Mother Lode

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/31/2015 09:30 AM

Angels Camp, CA...One of the most fantasmagorical stories to ever fly across the stage and screen soars into the Bret Harte High School Performing Arts Center as Calaveras Sings Theatre Arts Repertory for Kids presents “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” July 31 through August 2 in Angels Camp, CA.

Dinner, Music & More Music With Steve Miller & Buddy Guy

Help EPFD Celebrate Their 50th Anniversary

Arnold, CA...Come and celebrate Ebbetts Pass Fire Department's 50th anniversary. 9am flag raising and brief ceremony, tours, meet and greet. Let's show these brave ladies and gentlemen how much we appreciate their presence in our community.

Don't Miss Copperopolis Town Square's "Market At The Square" Every Sunday From 10-3!

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/18/2015 07:47 PM

Copperopolis, CA....Copperopolis Town Square's "Market At The Square" Farmers Market runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Sunday through October 4. The Market On The Square includes over 25 local vendors offering fresh fruits and vegetables, handcrafted gourmet food, baked goods, arts and crafts, wine tasting, and more.

Is The Time Finally Right To Build Your Dream Home? Cedar Ridge Has Your Lots Ready! Video Interview With Jon Ellis

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/16/2015 11:08 AM

Arnold, CA...Since 1990 Jon Ellis has had a dream of a great, upscale, custom home community on the beautiful 180 acre Cedar Ridge property. He and his wife Anne have kept pursuing this dream against what have at times been significant odds. Their patience, perseverance and faith have paid off. The property is a former Boy Scout Camp that at times played host to 10,000 young Scouts at a time. That has given way to wide, mostly level streets, underground utilities including electric, water, sewer & more. If you are looking for a mountain lot that is ready for your home these are ready and construction could begin within weeks....

A Breathtakingly Dangerous Act ~Congressman McClintock On Iran Deal

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/31/2015 04:59 PM

Washington, DC...Congressman McClintock delivered the following remarks on the House floor on July 15th, 2015 regarding the President's agreement with Iran on nuclear issues: Mr. Speaker: I don’t know how adequately to express my alarm and outrage at the President’s agreement with Iran. It is a breathtakingly dangerous act.

Shakespeare On The Vine Starts Tonight At Brice Station Vineyards

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/31/2015 04:14 PM

Murphys, CA...Shakespeare on the Vine and Brice Station Vineyards are pleased to announce their upcoming summer production of William Shakespeare’s Comedy The Taming of the Shrew, directed and produced by Tara Kayton. With The Taming of the Shrew, Kayton again embraces the exuberant and farcical commedia dell’arte aesthetic. Locals may be familiar with her recent staged comedies: Molière’s The Imaginary Invalid, Sedaris’s The Santaland Diaries, and Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night at Brice Station. She has pulled theatre artists from across the country to join Shakespeare on the Vine’s inaugural season. The creative team includes: Associate Producer and Lighting Designer Laura J. Eckelman (Washington D.C.), Assistant Director Janet Cunningham (New Haven, CT), Technical Director Ross Aldrich (Vallecito, CA), Scenic Designer Misty Amber Day (Sacramento, CA), and Dramaturg Ryan Davis (San Francisco, CA).

CAL FIRE and the USFS Announce Arrest & Cause of Big Creek Fire

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/31/2015 02:15 PM

San Andreas – On Thursday, July 30th the cause of the Big Creek Fire was determined to be an escaped debris fire. A suspect was identified and at 6:00 p.m. an arrest was made in connection with the start of the fire. Lisa Ann Vilmur was arrested and booked into Tuolumne County Jail for one count of recklessly causing a fire, a felony violation of Penal Code § 452(c). Her bail has been set in the amount of $100,000...

Groveland, CA...Current Situation: Acreage and containment continue holding steady since yesterday, but the extreme and historically dry fuel conditions remain a serious concern. With frequent spotting, this fire still remains a threat to firefighters and residents. Motorists driving in the area of the fire, especially on Highway 120, are asked to exercise great caution to avoid fire equipment and crews. Evacuations: Lifted at 6 p.m. 7-30-15, and residents were allowed to return to their homes.

Stanislaus National Forest Fire Updates

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/31/2015 01:41 PM

Sonora, CA...Rosasco Fire: The Rosasco Fire is a holdover heat signature from the Rim Fire. It is burning in deep duff layers, making it difficult to extinguish. Line has been cut around the fire and it is holding, in containment, at 3.4 acres. Though there has been no situational change since yesterday, crews will continue to mop-up and patrol the fire. The fire is located near Rosasco Meadow which is west of Cherry Lake and north of Woods Ridge, in the Groveland Ranger District...

Wines of the World, August 13th at the Calaveras Wine & Beer Company, 5:30pm

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/31/2015 01:27 PM

Murphys, CA...Steve Collum hosts us at the new Calaveras Wine & Beer Co. and takes us in for a sneak peek at their tasting room. We will be tasting four artisan pizza combinations and pair them with five local wines. Sure, this is noshing at it's finest, but we will take an in-depth look on flavor combinations and why food and wine pairings work - or don't!

Fire Update...Smoke Checks Underway

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/31/2015 12:11 PM

San Andreas, CA...If you see Helicopter 404 out and about they are working possible lightning strike fires and smoke checks. Nothing to report but possible smoke in the West Point Area and Cottage Springs and possibly others.

Twain Harte Bank Robbery Suspects Identified

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/31/2015 10:25 AM

Twain Harte, CA...Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office Detectives have been investigating the robbery of the Umpqua Bank in Twain Harte since the date of the incident (7/21/15). The Sheriff’s Office has followed up on numerous tips from the public and other leads. Two suspects have been identified, eighteen year old, Daveon Harris of Vacaville, CA and a juvenile male. The juvenile male suspect’s, name and other information is not being released due to his age.

Old Kline's Fitness Building Vandalized Owner Offering Reward

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/31/2015 09:40 AM

Arnold, CA...The Old Kline's Fitness Building has been vandalized twice over the last couple of weeks. Vandalism was pretty bad and graphic. The reward poster is enclosed as the pics are bad enough we don't want to put them on front page.

The Big 49er Motors Summer Savings Markdown Sale!

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/31/2015 09:05 AM

Angels Camp, CA...49er Motors Summer Savings Markdown Sale! Come on down and see our new inventory arriving daily and take advantage of some of our Summer Savings Markdowns!! We can finance most anyone from bad credit to great we have a lender for you!
Don't forget that our service center performs services on all makes and models from oil changes to engine swaps and everything in between!! We are running an Air Conditioner service special for $69.49. Call for an appointment and let us get your car back in shape today!

Angels Camp Celebrated Our Veterans At Their 4th Of July Picnic!

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/30/2015 11:05 PM

Angels Camp, July 6, 2015 - Hundreds attend the 4th annual Angels Camp 4th of July celebration held in Utica Park on July 4th. As a soft breeze rustled the leaves and billowed the American flag - which had once flown proudly over the Alameda Naval Station on the date of her decommission - veterans, friends and families gathered in hushed silence awaiting the beginning of the ceremony to honor those in our community who had served in the United States military.

Big Creek Fire TCU Incident Update

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/30/2015 03:50 PM

Groveland, CA...The increase in fire acreage is the result of better mapping. Fire fighters are working hard to construct containment lines around the fire even as conditions deteriorate with this afternoon’s rising air temperatures and wind speed. The surrounding drought-stressed forest with its thousands of dead trees has created an unprecedented danger to firefighters and residents alike. Frequent spot fires across the line into this dense, dry, heavy timber are major challenges, raising the possibility of steadily worsening fire activity. Power lines in the area have been de-energized at CAL FIRE’s request to protect firefighter safety. The line will be re-energized upon CAL FIRE’s request. There’s been no damage to the distribution system in the area due to the fire.

San Andreas, CA...Calaveras Community TV is located in San Andreas, CA. We are a non-profit organization which helps facilitate the local studio and air original community programming to your home. Programs on this channel include the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors meetings and special study sessions as well as other information on local, state or national issues. Programs also include international news from Deutsche Welle, and arts programs from Classic Arts Showcase....

Taking Your Apple On The Road August 11 SMUG Meeting Topic

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/30/2015 01:53 PM

Arnold, CA...Tips and tricks for taking your Apple product on the road will be explored when the Sierra Macintosh Users Group (SMUG) has its monthly meeting Tuesday, August 11, beginning at 7 p.m. in the assembly room of the Ebbetts Pass Fire District, 1037 Blagen Rd., just off Highway 4.

This Week at the Arnold CHS Thrift Store Adoption Center – JASPER!

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/30/2015 01:03 PM

Arnold, CA...Stop by Calaveras Humane Society's Thrift Store Cat Adoption Center in Arnold, located in Meadowmont Center next to Big Trees Market, open Thurs. through Sat., 10 am–5 pm. Jasper is available for a special reduced adoption donation of only $15! What a deal for a beautiful boy! We will also have kitties available at our Angels Camp Adoption Center, located in Angels Town Center (240 S. Main St./Hwy 49), open Thurs/Fri, 10 am–5 pm, and Saturday, 11 am–5pm. Come in and meet the kitties!

Murphys to Markleeville July 31 - August 8

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/30/2015 12:50 PM

Arnold, CA...“The Schedule” is published every Thursday by the Bear's Lair and includes everything happening from Murphys to Markleeville. For more detailed info visit The Schedule. Please come by and pick one up or contact Bear's Lair at info@epvc.org to have your event included in “The Schedule.”

Groveland, CA...The Big Creek Fire now burning in the Groveland area is 5% contained and has gown to 265 acres. Evacuations are still in place in the Hells Hollow Road area. Details are below along with some great photos from Chip Dingman

Smithsonian and Jamestown Rediscovery Partner to Reveal Identities of Four Lost Leaders of Jamestown

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/30/2015 09:10 AM

Jamestown, VA...A team of scientists from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and The Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation at Historic Jamestowne announced the identities of four men buried within Jamestown’s historic 1608 church, the location of Pocahontas’ marriage to John Rolfe. These people, Rev. Robert Hunt, Capt. Gabriel Archer, Sir Ferdinando Wainman and Capt. William West, were high-status leaders who helped shape the future of America during the initial phase of the Jamestown colony.

Groveland, CA...A new fire started at 4:29 p.m., located in a heavy timber area on the Groveland Ranger District, Stanislaus NF, S. of HWY 120 and W. of Buck Meadows Station. It was first reported at 10 acres, is now at 150 acres with a “dangerous” rate of spread and spotting. This is an area designated as state responsibility, meaning Cal Fire has the lead. Firefighting assets are responding from multiple agencies. The Stanislaus NF has the Groveland Ranger District Hotshots, 2 engines, 1 dozer, and miscellaneous overhead helping to fight the fire..

Fire Update....Hwy 120 Closed 4.3 Miles East Of Groveland Due To Fire

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/29/2015 06:46 PM

Groveland, CA....Hwy 120 Closed 4.3 Miles East Of Groveland Due To Fire. Firefighters are on scene and working from ground and air. Fire did jump Hwy 120. According to Lisa Williams it is 10-15 acres and Hwy 120 is closed. Evacuations are in effect in the fire area....

Calaveras Humane Society Welcome Four New Board Members

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/29/2015 05:50 PM

San Andreas, CA...Four new active community members from the county have been elected to the Calaveras Humane Society Board of Directors. The new members, Allen, Dawn, Jamie and JoAnn, bring a wealth of expertise in finance, organizational development and leadership to support the Calaveras Humane Society with our mission to promote excellent quality of life for the animals of our county. “The diverse set of ideas and knowledge the new board members bring to the Calaveras Humane Society are essential to our continued focus on being a top quality inclusive organization,” said the organization’s Executive Director, Anne Ellis. “I look forward to Allen, Dawn, Jamie and JoAnn contributing to the continued success of our organization”. Anne went on to say. ” The Calaveras Humane Society Board of Directors is a select group of individuals, from a variety of backgrounds, responsible for setting policy and overseeing the organization's general wellbeing.”
The four newly elected board members include:

Fire Update....Vegetation Fire Groveland Area ~ By Charles Dudley Jr.

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/29/2015 05:28 PM

Groveland Ca. CalFire is working a Vegetation Fire on Hwy 120 and East Sprague Rd. Hard Road Closure has been requested in the area. We will bring you more details as they become available. USFS has also been dispatched. PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM THE AREA. As a reminder the latest fire and traffic updates are on the feed on the right hand side of our front page....

Washington, DC....Judicial Watch announced that U.S District Court Judge Emmet Sullivan today threatened to hold the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service and Justice Department attorneys in contempt of court after the IRS failed to produce status reports and newly recovered emails of Lois Lerner, former director of the Exempt Organizations Unit of the IRS, as he had ordered on July 1, 2015.

Learn to Square Dance in 10 Easy Lessons

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/29/2015 03:06 PM

Jackson, CA...10-week square dance class starts Monday, September 14, 2015, 6:30 – 7:30 pm through Monday, November 16. For $30 per person, you get 10 weeks of great fun dancing. Any age is welcome, singles or couples, no special dress required. Music from country to pop. Come try it out at a free Intro to Square Dance evening August 31, 6:30 – 9:00 pm.

San Andreas Turner Park is HOT and it is not about the weather

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/29/2015 02:52 PM

San Andreas, CA...Please join your neighbors and friends for a free evening of original modern indie rock music performed by The Hot Dark at Turner Park in San Andreas on Wednesday, August 5, 2015. Dubbed “a band to watch” by The Indie Rock Café , The Hot Dark is a refreshing, youthful, and highly talented Murphys-based band playing a modern sound it refers to as “post-synth sax-rock”. Featuring guitar, bass, saxophone, keyboards, and drums, The Hot Dark began as a studio duo called “Descendants of Prospectors” and has now evolved into a full band inspired by The Talking Heads, Burt Bacharach, Prince, and, yes, Igor Stravinsky. The Indie Rock Café describes vocalist Kiel Williams’s voice as “so similar at times to that of Robert Smith’s (The Cure) that it’s almost surreal”. Williams and Owen Ridings bring vocals and guitar. They are joined by Andy Merrill on bass, Rick Moore on keyboard and sax, Gabriel Cronos on keyboard, and Nicholas Lefler on drums. The Hot Dark released its debut album, “Live Young” in March 2015.

Daily Inspiration Brought To You By Allison James Real Estate

Patriots Owner Robert Kraft Defends Brady & Blisters NFL

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/29/2015 12:05 PM

Foxborough, MA...RKK: In light of yesterday’s league ruling, I felt it was important to make a statement today, prior to the start of training camp. After this, I will not be talking about this matter until after the legal process plays itself out and I would advise everyone in the organization to do the same and just concentrate on preparation for the 2015 season.

Traffic Update...Poop Happens, Septic Truck Off Moran Road

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/29/2015 10:47 AM

Arnold, CA...We would like to thank a Brett Loring for letting us know of a septic truck that has gone off Moran Road and crews are trying to get it all wiped up. This is at 10:35 a.m. and traffic is currently unable to pass. So having to backtrack to get to the highway.

Middleton's Has Everything You Need To Make Your House A Home

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/29/2015 10:10 AM

Angels Camp, CA...Family owned and operated since 1955, Middleton's Mark twain Center, Inc was originally Calaveras Mercantile bought be Hank and Matilda Middleton in 1955. Starting as a furniture, feed, fabric and appliance business in the original 1500 sq. ft. location proved to not meet the needs of the community. Hank and Mat were now raising their young family, and seeing the potential growth and needs of Calaveras County purchased acres of land in 1960 just on the edge of town. They built and developed the first shopping center in the county. He anchored his 27,000 sq. ft. furniture, appliance, hardware, and gift shop with a local bank and grocery store....

Make Plans To Golf For The Bullfrogs

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/29/2015 08:16 AM

Site Update...One Of Our Servers Having Issues This Morning

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/29/2015 07:19 AM

Arnold, CA....One of our servers is having issues this morning. Our migration server where most of the recent photos and videos is down at the moment and we are working on getting it back up now. Things should be back in their expected places soon

Murphys & Angels Camp, CA... Sierra Hills, Angels Food & Sierra Hills Natural Food Markets have been part of the Calaveras community since 1935. High Quality, Great Customer Service and Great Hometown Prices. "We are dedicated to providing the best to our customers. " - Mike Croshaw Keep it Cool with a refreshing Summer Cocktail! Save 10% When you buy 4 bottles of spirits and wines Mix and match any four bottles.

Click Above For Their Weekly Savings. Do you know you can now text your deli orders to the stores? For Sierra Hills Market the number is 209-753-7115. For Angels Food Market the number is (209)-753-7331. Now that is easy!! Senior Days now Tuesdays and Wednesdays! Save 10% When you buy 4 or more bottles of liquor or wine. Remember we already have the best prices on liquor and the biggest local wine selection.

Party At The Cajun Fete On August 1st

Posted by: thepinetree on 07/14/2015 10:01 PM

Sheep Ranch, CA...The summer is packed with lots of fun, music, festivals, specialty events and more. On Saturday, August 1, 5:00pm to 10:00pm, the Calaveras Arts Council turns the sleepy town of Sheep Ranch into a Louisiana bayou without the alligators and humidity. Their dinner dance fundraiser, the Cajun Fete, will once again dress up the historic 100 year old Pioneer Hotel grounds with festive lights, Cajun beads, tables with silent auction items, zydeco music and more. Seating is limited. Ticket prices for five hours of fun, food, and music is $65.00. If you have a bit of the volunteer spirit in you, call the art council. Volunteer tickets are discounted. Call (209)754-1774 to make arrangements to help.

If you see anything newsworthy, give us a call or send it along!

Our goal is to report Current, Up-To-Date, Accurate news 24/7! We are also here to promote one of the best places on the planet...Calaveras and Western Alpine Counties. We cover news and events along the Ebbetts Pass Corridor, Angels Camp, Arnold, Bear Valley, Copperopolis, Mountain Ranch, San Andreas, Valley Springs and more. If you see or know of something newsworthy, just drop us a note to news@thepinetree.net or give us a call on our news line at (209)768.3929 or #TREE FROM YOUR GOLDEN STATE CELLULAR PHONE. We would also love to post your local video and pictures. If you have clips or photos that you think our viewers would like to see... just let us know!

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Created on 02/22/2006 11:32 PM by thepinetree
Updated on 11/15/2012 04:26 AM by thepinetree

Bear Valley's Mark Phillips narrates a wonderful video that was created for the Ebbetts Pass Historical Association. The Video runs about 50 minutes and gives a fascinating & entertaining view of the history of the Bear Valley Area.